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Home / Lifestyle / Automobiles
Automobiles

These 11 Electric Cars Are the Future of Driving 

By Frank Vizard on March 16, 2018

As the shift to electric cars gains momentum, an elite group of luxury brands is changing automotive history.

© Courtesy Morgan Motor Company

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There’s a driving revolution coming, and it’s closer than you think. Electric motors are growing increasingly common—either powering cars on their own or working alongside standard internal combustion engines as part of a hybrid technology.

Although a large-scale switch to electrification—largely driven by environmental pressures—will be slow to take hold, luxury brands are firmly on board:  Jaguar, Bentley, and Audi will all debut electrified vehicles this year, and the number available from top auto-makers is only expected to increase over the next decade.

Electrification won’t just change what’s inside a vehicle, though—it will also change how cars look. “With electrification, you can expect changes in proportion and architecture,” said Stefan Sielaff, Bentley’s director of design. For example, radiator grilles—no longer required for cooling—may be replaced by front-end displays that convey information about the car to onlookers; side mirrors may disappear in favor of cameras. Plus, due in part to the rise of autonomous driving technology, interiors are expected to feel more spacious, with front seats that swivel to face rear passengers as the focus shifts from driving to connecting with the surrounding world.

Here’s a look at some of most exciting luxury electric cars debuting this year.

 
Courtesy Bentley

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid SUV

Super-luxury brand Bentley is making its first foray into electrically powered vehicles with a hybrid version of its Bentayga SUV. The hybrid model, expected in late 2018, contains both an electric “E-Motor” and a V6 engine. There are multiple “E-Mode” driving options—which aid the driver in managing battery usage, allowing them to switch between all electric and hybrid propulsion—plus an electric range of 31 miles. The Betayga’s satellite navigation system is programmed to calculate a route based on the most efficient use of its electric motor and engine. The car’s wall charger, a handsome Power Dock model designed by Frenchman Philippe Starck, promises recharging in two and a half hours. Price to be determined; bentleymotors.com.

Courtesy Porsche

Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo

Porsche calls its Mission E Cross Turismo a cross-utility vehicle that blends the best attributes of a cargo-carrying wagon and a sports car. While still a concept car, the all-wheel-drive, four-passenger Cross Turismo shows that Porsche doesn’t intend to skimp on performance when it comes to electric vehicles: the car offers 600 horsepower and sprints to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Its range is 310 miles, and a 15-minute quick-charge can top off the battery for another 250. Porsche expects half of its lineup to be electric by 2023. porsche.com

Courtesy Aston Martin

Aston Martin Lagonda

Aston Martin’s fully electric Lagonda concept model is designed from the inside out. A retractable steering wheel allows for autonomous driving; batteries can be stored in the floor of the car. Rear-hinged doors, plus a roof that opens, allows passengers to step straight in and out of the vehicle. Expect silk carpets and hand-woven wool to mix with lightweight carbon fiber and ceramic tiles that open for ventilation. Aston Martin expects to have two Lagonda models available by 2023. astonmartin.com

Courtesy Jaguar

Jaguar I-PACE SUV

Jaguar’s first all-electric SUV, the I-PACE, is expected to be for sale in the second half of 2018. A five-seater with all-wheel-drive, the I-PACE boasts two electric motors that deliver 400 horsepower and zero-to-60 mph in around four seconds. Its range is 220 miles and a 45-minute battery recharge will lift it to 80 percent of its capacity. $69,500; jaguarusa.com.

Courtesy Bollinger

Bollinger B1 Sport Utility Truck

The transition to electric power is also inspiring new brands, like Bollinger Motors, which was founded in 2014, to capitalize. Bollinger, which is based in upstate New York, is readying both a two-door and four-door sport utility truck. Each has dual electric motors that promise 360 horsepower. Two battery pack options, for 120 and 200 miles, are available. The brand is now taking orders for delivery in late 2019. Price to be determined, but the target is under $100,000; bollingermotors.com.

Courtesy Morgan Motor Company

Morgan EV3

Three wheels may be better than four when it comes to electric cars—or at least that’s the thinking at Morgan Motor Company, a family-owned British manufacturer that was founded in 1910. Inspired by three-wheel racecars from the 1930s, Morgan says the EV3 will offer comparable performance to its petrol models, thanks in large part to a low-slung profile that aids aerodynamics and a lightweight carbon fiber chassis. The car’s range is targeted at 120 miles. Production is scheduled for late 2018. morgan-motor.co.uk

Wilfried Wulff/Courtesy BMW

BMW i8 Roadster Convertible

BMW adds top-down driving to the electric car mix with the debut of the 2019 i8 Roadster. Its hybrid engine gets 134.5 mpg, produces 369 horsepower, and reaches 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Key design features include gullwing doors and a lightweight carbon fiber windscreen. From $164,295; from $148,405 for a coupe version debuting in late spring; bmwusa.com.

Courtesy Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes Benz Concept EQA

In Mercedes Benz’s Concept EQA, an electric two-door model, the conventional radiator grille disappears in lieu of a black panel adorned with LED lights that change based on driving conditions. (For example, move into “Sport” mode and a pair of flaming wings might appear on either side of the illuminated central star.) Mercedes Benz is expected to debut 10 electric cars over the next few years. mercedes-benz.com

Courtesy Rinspeed

Rinspeed Snap

Swiss brand Rinspeed is betting the future combines electric and autonomous driving technologies. Its Snap concept vehicle brims with sensors that allow the vehicle to drive itself while passengers stay connected with their onboard devices. Two steering axles also make the car highly maneuverable. Rinspeed also imagines owners being accompanied by a personal assistant robot that can run chores and picks a preferred restaurant for dining. rimpseed.com

Courtesy Audi

Audi e-tron SUV Concept

Audi’s e-tron SUV concept is a preview of an electric vehicle the German company says it will introduce in late 2018. Three motors—one in the front and two in the rear—power the vehicle for a 310-mile range. The car can recharge using wireless induction technology; the vehicle parks itself over a recharging plate. Solar panels on the roof also provide power. Cameras replace all exterior mirrors. audiusa.com

Courtesy Tesla

Tesla Roadster

Thanks to Elon Musk, there is a Tesla Roadster in outer space right now—in February, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO launched his own sports car inside SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket—but earthbound customers will have to wait until 2020 for their own. Tesla has already put the buzz into electrification, but if the specs come in as promised, the Roadster may set the benchmark. Think 250 mph, zero to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, and a 620-mile range. But expect that high performance to come with a sky-high price tag of around $200,000. Reservations are now being accepted for $50,000; tesla.com.

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